FÁS Executive Charged Over €600,000 Fraud

A FÁS executive is facing charges of defrauding the discredited state training agency of more than €600,000.

James Brooke-Tyrrell, 53, of Church Gate, Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, sat before the Bridewell District Court facing 46 counts of deception by way of falsifying tenders between 2002 and 2008.

Mr Brooke-Tyrrell worked as video production manager at the FAS headquarters in Dublin, and stands accused of manufacturing false tendering processes resulting in cheques totalling €612,950 being issued to accounts held by companies he controlled.

Det Garda Alan Browne told Judge Ann Ryan that Mr Brooke-Tyrell said "no reply, I have nothing to say" when he was charged.

Prosecuting Counsel Kevin Ennis told Judge Ryan the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the matter be sent forward to the Circuit Court and sought a six-week remand for the Book of Evidence to be served.

However, bail was granted after the defendants Father In Law, Ted Crowley, who was present for the case, provided an independent surety of €10,000.

Mr Brooke-Tyrrell was then ordered to surrender his passport and told by Judge Ann Ryan not to seek travel documents.

An application for free legal aid was granted after Judge Ryan was told that the arresting garda had no objection.

Judge Ryan remanded Mr Brooke-Tyrrell to appear again at Bridewell District Court on November 17 at 10:30am.

(DW/BMcC)